Really... Russia, Japan, but never new Orleans. I had always waited for my friends who had been there so many times, many raised in Louisiana to show me the town. I purposely avoided Mardis Gras and Decadence because I wanted to see the city for the city itself. So what a perfect way for us to celebrate my 40th birthday. We stayed in a wonderful hotel with charming rooms and a fabulous courtyard. I recommend Place d' Armes for anyone that stays there. Very close to everything - and extremely fair prices!

I would have to say we spent too much time on Bourbon street - but I really dig those daiquiris and would have to say I mastered the fine art of drinking all weekend without a single hangover or even getting dehydrated. Daiquiris - rum, no grain alcohol. Sip slowly (even doing so I still manage to obtain several brain freezes - owwwww!). Quite refreshing in the hot, steamy Big easy and all that ice keeps you hydrated. Probably should have got that shirt... I got bourban-faced on Shit Street.

I was a little disappointed I couldn't get absinthe at the Old Abssinthe Bar.But I did get another Mango Mango daiquiri!

Our hotel was a block from Jackson Square - a nice area to take in the "feel" of New orleans minus the crowd of Bourbon. I did get to visit Cafe DuMonde and enjoyed my beignets with half a sack of powdered sugar thoroughly.

They all wore black that evening for my birthday celebration. And made me a shirt with football jersey lettering on the back designating me as the elder. (Keep in mind I outlasted them all that night!) My best friend made me a book that illustrated 40 reasons why I should be Happy to be me - what a thoughtful, moving surprise

The Infamous St. Louis Cemetary

My number one goal for the trip. On the last day some crazy lady that worked behind the bar offered to take me since it was my birthday and you just absolutely could not go alone. Needless to say, she had no idea how to get there - must be from working at Pat Obriens for the previous eight years... After we got lost in the projects, I whipped out the map and found the place. After all that, would you believe it was closed on Sundays? So these are the shots I took from outside the gate, a small little tatse of the place I had wanted to go for over ten years. And now, it is submerged - I will never see it the way it is in all those antique post cards I have.

The Ride Home

Just two weeks prior to the devastation of Katrina. I imagine it will never be the same.